The cold snap is expected to affect the north east initially before spreading southwards to cover most of the country.

Forecasters say the freezing conditions will be very slow to thaw on Christmas Day and members of the public are urged to take care, particularly on side roads and pavements.

Aberdeenshire Council said around 50 staff and 32 gritters would begin treating roads at 5.30am on Christmas morning.

Philip McKay, head of roads and landscape services, said: “While Christmas Day is not a normal commuting day, we are mindful many people still have to travel to be with family and friends later in the day.

“Conditions may well be changeable across the network and I would ask road users and pedestrians to take extra care and leave a bit of extra time for their journeys.”

A further yellow weather warning of wind and snow has been issued for Boxing Day afternoon into Saturday.

The Met Office said more than 10cm of snow could fall on ground above 200 metres, as wet weather spreads across most of Scotland.

There is also a risk that snow could affect lower lying areas in the central belt.

Winds are expected to increase through Friday evening and night, with eastern Scotland likely to be the most affected area.